Pathology Drivers, Band 2

Job summary

To collect specimens from, and deliver reports to General Practitioners and Hospitals in the Trust, according to the agreed schedule. To transport urgent specimens, pharmaceuticals, patient records and other items between the two Acute Hospital sites.

The Pathology Van Services cover the whole of Gloucestershire. There are various different routes visiting GP Surgeries and Hospitals at various times of the day, including early evenings. There is also a shuttle service that runs between the Acute sites on a 24/7/365 basis. The van runs contribute directly to the provision of an efficient, timely and responsive service as part of the process of diagnosis, patient care and treatment.

Post One 16.5 Hours - Shuttle 1 and Cheltenham Early (07:00-15:45) on a Thursday and Friday.

Post Two 20.5 Hours - Shuttle 3 (14:45-21:45) on a Thursday and Friday and Saturday PM Shift (14:00-22:00).

Post Three 21.5 Hours - Shuttle 3 (14:45-21:45) on a Tuesday and Wednesday and Cheltenham B Late (15:00-18:45) on a Thursday and Cirencester Late (14:45-19:30) on a Friday.

Post Four 16.25 Hours - Shuttle 1 and Cheltenham Early (07:00-15:45) on a Monday and FOD South Early and Glos B Late (10:00-18:45) on a Tuesday.

These posts are fixed term for a 12 month period.

Main duties of the job

Act as the 'first point of contact' between the Surgeries and the Laboratory for routine transportation matters.

Maintain a professional manner together with a courteous approach to all visitors to Pathology, including Patients, Relatives and Carers.

Deliver specimens, pharmacy items, patient records and other items between sites.

Undertake specific laboratory procedures associated with 'out of hours' shifts - training will be given.

Collect specimens and mail from General Practitioners and Hospitals in the Trust and deliver them to Pathology Reception. This may also include urgent X-rays, notes and items of equipment.

Deliver reports and mail from Cheltenham General Hospital to General Practitioners and other Hospitals in the Trust. This will include Pathology requisites for the collection of samples (Stores), urgent X-rays, notes, and items of equipment.

Deliver urgent blood or blood products for transfusion within the Community Hospitals and return unused units directly to the Blood Transfusion Department.

Sort returning post in Pathology Reception to separate that intended for Pathology from other Internal, External or Gloucester mail.

Perform daily maintenance checks on the vehicle to include water and oil levels, tyre pressures, etc. to ensure the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition and to report promptly any faults found

Maintain a professional approach to duties at all times and to deal courteously with all staff encountered in the course of performing duties.

About us

The team comprises approx. 41 mainly part-time contracted Drivers, and 22 'Bank' Drivers. All Drivers are trained on multiple routes to allow for 'swaps' to cover any gaps, and most are also trained in basic Laboratory and Transfusion tasks to allow them to work out-of-hours (including overnight).

Most of our team are people who are keen to work, but also want a good "work-life" balance.